Analyst predicts Panthers-Cowboys game becomes Bryce Young-Dak Prescott shootout

It's been a while since the Panthers got into a high-scoring QB duel. This weekend's matchup could change that.

Oct 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) fakes a hand off during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Bank of America Stadium. / Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

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The last time the Carolina Panthers got into a high-scoring shootout was their 2024 finale against the Atlanta Falcons. That one came out alright, but since then the Panthers have gone back and forth between blowing out bad teams and getting blown out themselves.

This weekend's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys might represent a change in pace, though. At least one analyst is expecting that game to turn into a duel between Bryce Young and Dak Prescott. Here's Andrew Buller-Russ at Sportsnaut predicting Young will out-battle Prescott thanks to a bad Dallas D.

"For momentary stretches, we see Bryce Young morph into an efficient quarterback who can march his team down the field. Last week he helped lead a 17-point comeback. This week, he’ll have to go back to being a high-volume passer to match wits with Dak Prescott‘s explosive passing attack. Yet, the Dallas Cowboys rank dead-last in passing yards allowed and yards allowed per pass attempt, so the Panthers have a big opportunity ahead."

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 19: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers and head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys embrace after the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. / (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

This all sounds good in theory, but it's probably worth bringing up that the last time the Panthers played the Cowboys Young committed four turnovers and Carolina got beat soundly, 30-14.

That was a long time ago in football years, though. Young has since gone on a rollercoaster, incuding three great games to finish the 2024 season and some rough patches to start 2025. He has shown that he can still thrive, though - the comebacks against the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins have proven that much.

Whether the Panthers actually go off on the Cowboys or not may have less to do with Young and more to do with their running game, which finally got going last week against the Dolphins. If Rico Dowdle can pick up where he left off, this Carolina offense is going to be much, much tougher to gameplan against.

Texans GM Nick Caserio Delivers Reality Check Before Trade Deadline

The Houston Texans could be a team to monitor at the 2025 trade deadline, which falls on November 4 this season, following general manager Nick Caserio’s comments during his media availability on Tuesday.

Caserio raised eyebrows during the session, offering an update on running back Joe Mixon.

However, Caserio’s remarks about the rapidly approaching deadline could speak volumes, with the Texans sitting at 2-3 and on their bye in Week 6.

Texans Bracing for 2025 Trade Deadline

Caserio is in his fifth season as the Texans’ general manager. He made it clear that his expectations for significant activity at this year’s trade deadline are low, but he plans to stay nimble.

Caserio said the Texans will “look at” their options at the trade deadline and “have some flexibility.”

The Texans’ GM said it all starts with a “cost-benefit analysis” to do in any deal.

“There’s always a cost. Do a cost-benefit analysis. Not to get into a big economics discussion, but that’s a part of it. So, if you’re going to give something up, what are you getting in return? And if you’re comfortable with that decision, what’s it cost from a contractual standpoint? Some of those types of things. So, try to maintain as much flexibility as possible,” Caserio told reporters on October 7.

“We’re in a decent spot. If there’s a situation out there that we feel makes some sense, and it works out, great. If it doesn’t, then okay. There’s nothing we can do about it, and we’re prepared to handle it with the players that we have here.

Last season, the Texans traded defensive tackle Khalil Davis to the San Francisco 49ers at the deadline.

They traded running back Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings in October 2024, some three weeks before the deadline.

“We’re getting close here. You’re starting to see a little bit of jockeying. Teams are losing players. The trade deadline’s call it, three, four weeks away. So, again, I know everybody gets excited about the trade deadline, and, typically, it ends up being more of a whimper than anything else. But, you never know. Every year is a little bit different. So, always be open-minded. I think that’s the one thing I think we’ve shown: we’re open-minded. Be adaptable, be flexible,” Caserio said.

“If there’s a situation that makes sense, great. If there’s not, then kind of keep pressing ahead.”

The Texans have one of the most talented young rosters in the league under Caserio. However, they also have a significant decision to make on quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will be extension-eligible next offseason, that they must keep in mind in any dealings.

Texans’ Track Record Looms Large Before Trade Deadline

According to Spotrac, Caserio has made more than 40 trades to acquire players or draft capital since taking over the Texans’ general manager job in 2021, with two more at the 2024 deadline.

In the last calendar year, the Texans have acquired four players and made seven other trades involving draft capital. Their most recent acquisition was tight end Harrison Bryant from the Philadelphia Eagles in August, amid myriad injuries at the position.

Their dealings have yielded mixed results, too.

Bryant has contributed, and offensive lineman Ed Ingram is a starter at right guard, while wide receiver Christian Kirk is back healthy and helping out of the slot.

However, in addition to Mixon’s absence, the Texans cut safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, whom they acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason, before Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans.

The Texans have rattled off back-to-back wins since.

Texans Could Have Quiet Trade Deadline

The list of players the Texans traded for since Caserio’s arrival, but who are no longer with the team, includes offensive linemen Josh Jones, Marcus Cannon, and Shaq Mason. Wide receivers Ben Skoronek and Stefon Diggs are on there, too.

There are others.

So, it stands to reason that the Caserio and the Texans are more likely to stand pat at the trade deadline than swing a deal, especially for the sake of doing so.

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